Rugby: Nîmes must move up a gear

RCN full-back Martin Felix, seen here in action during the reception of Aubenas. MIDI LIBRE – ALEXIS BETHUNE

Defeated in Bédarrides two weeks ago, the RCN (7th, 6 points) is aiming for its second victory of the season during the reception of Mâcon (12th, 1 point), Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the Kaufmann stadium.

One victory, two defeats. One offensive bonus, one defensive for 6 points. A 7th place in this group 1 of National 2, and some regrets. Like this second half in Orléans, where Guillaume Aguilar's men undoubtedly had the space to bring back more than just a defensive bonus. 

'We lacked realism and especially intelligence of play with too many balls given back to the foot against a team that seemed to tire especially in the last twenty minutes'', summarizes coach Guillaume Aguilar.

It is true that the followers of the Rugby club nîmois still have in mind these two actions on the touchline of the sparkling Salmone Qeleca, author of an excellent start of the season, and who prefers his foot to his supports, to his ability to keep the ball, to advance and to make play after him.

Not disciplined enough, these Nîmes

There were also regrets in Bédarrides where, after a catastrophic first half (0/21), the Nîmes players were unable to reverse the trend, due to a lack of technical precision and this despite the two tries by Sparano and Darmon.

One thing is certain: in the future, the RCN players will have to resolve their discipline problem (6 yellow cards and an average of fifteen penalties per match). ''We lack discipline'', admits the young 22-year-old captain Valentin Tonin, author of an excellent start to the season: ''It is up to us to show a more positive image to the referees and succeed in turning the game around.''

AS Maconnaise, a wounded beast

Especially since, for Aguilar, ''some fouls are unacceptable. Indiscipline is our big black mark''. Even if he completes, ''the big problem (in Bédarrides) is above all that we saw ourselves too good after the offensive bonus against Aubenas''.

The 2nd block of the season is now looming with, this Saturday, the reception of Mâcon, last in the standings. A ''wounded beast'', with a catastrophic start and three defeats in as many matches The red lantern therefore arrives at the Kaufmann stadium with the idea of ​​finally launching its season. 

'They are having a complicated start to the season, but so are we, temporizes Valentin Tonin. It's up to us to show our best faces this Saturday to find the path to victory.''

The latest echoes from the RCN

INFIRMARY – Crossed this week on the edge of the pitch, captain Marius Vialle told us that his return to the pitch is expected ''around November 9 ''.

Winger Rémy Pichard is making his return after 357 days of absence following an injury in Auch.

PROMOTION – From 2pm, the Kaufmann stadium will see the Cadets, Juniors and Espoirs of the RCN follow one another in their respective championships (entry 10 €).

MARRIAGE – At 32, Romain Darmon seems to have found his 20-year-old legs at the start of this season.

Replaced at the position of second center, the former fullback is flourishing there with already a try to his name (against Aubenas), but will be missing against Mâcon. And for good reason, he is getting married. Midi Libre wishes him and his wife Marine all the best!

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